Anti-bird roosting device

ABSTRACT

An anti-bird roosting device for protecting an area, comprising at least a pair of cooperating base elements mounted on the area to be protected, and a plurality of projecting spikes, supported on the base elements and projecting away therefrom into a space above the area to be protected. The spikes are provided in a pattern of interspersed combinations of vertical, obtuse and acute angle-forming projections, in a high spike density that prevents roosting in the protected space. Thus, each point in the area to be protected is defended by more than one spike, each spike coming from a different direction, so as to cross-defend each other, creating a perimeter envelope defense of the air volume surrounding the base elements. Each device is easily and inexpensively prepared as a continuous mesh, whose dimensions can be constructed in standard sizes or in accordance with the needs of the user. The element diameter is typically approximately two millimeters. The small element diameter makes the entire device hard to see from a distance so that it does not detract from the building&#39;s aesthetics.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new device for preventing birds fromlanding or perching on exposed surfaces and more specifically to adevice comprised of two or more base-member elements, connected to eachother, via a plurality of top-members, each top-member having spikeend-segments, which are easily configured, so as to supply the user withmaximum anti-bird roosting protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art of anti-bird perching or roosting devices was based on oneof several approaches to deter birds from landing. These approaches wereeither used alone, or in combination one with the other. The approachesmay be divided into a number of categories:

-   -   Magnetic    -   Optical    -   Sloped Surface    -   Mechanical: Cables    -   Unstable perch    -   Projections    -   Chemical

Several inventors based their devices on the principle of creating avariable magnetic field. This is based on the theory that a magneticfield tends to repel birds. It is believed that birds have a biologicalinstinctive ability to sense the presence of a magnetic field and thatthe field deters them. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,426 to Ishida; 5,836,114 and5,918,404 to Ohba are all based on this magnetic approach.

Another approach believes that birds can be deterred by opticallyfrightening them. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,008 to Assouline, the inventorutilizes an optical device to frighten the birds.

Yet another approach is to incline the surface exposed to the birds todissuade them from landing, since the birds desire a horizontal landingsurface. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,780 to Georgen, there is disclosed atriangular hollow section, whose upper surface is inclined sufficientlyto deter the birds.

Other inventors have utilized a cable, or series of parallel cables,running above the surface of interest to interfere with the birds'attempts at landing. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,088 to Way, and U.S. Pat.No. 5,713,160 to Heron, the inventors base their devices on thisapproach.

Destabilizing the exposed perching surface is seen as another way ofdeterring birds. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,585 to Engler, there isdisclosed a device having a cable above the surface to be protected anda plurality of rotatable rings on the cable. The dimensions of the ringsare such that when birds tried to perch they unbalanced the rings.

A popular method utilizes a base with spikes mounted eitherperpendicularly, or at various angles with the base. When the birds tryto perch, the spikes prick them, thus deterring them. In U.S. Pat. No.5,400,552 to Negre, there is disclosed a polymethylmethacrylate base,with spikes fitted perpendicularly. This configuration is thought to beless effective because over a period of time, bird feces fills in thegaps between the spikes and then the birds can freely perch.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,099 to Nelson, there is disclosed a plurality ofcomb-like members each having comb teeth, mounted above the surface tobe protected, to deter the birds. This device seems to be costly interms of production cost.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,998 to Gregg III, there is disclosed a specificsolution to the specific problem of preventing birds from landing atop amasthead. The inventor uses upstanding posts on whose upper ends arepositioned a plurality of rods. The post is hauled into position withits head above the masthead.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,032 to Trueblood et al, the inventors proposedusing a continuous, filled, base strip, in which a plurality ofrepellant arms is punched into the base strip. This device appearssomewhat hazardous to install, as the repellant arms seem to be quitejagged. In addition, the continuous, filled, base strip seemsinconvenient to secure to the surface, to be protected.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,830 to Townsend, Jr. et al, the inventors use twovertically inclined panes of open rectangular wire-grid fencing,attached to one another, via hinges. Wire material, above the hingepoints, creates upwardly projecting wire prongs. In this device, theprotection afforded the surface is limited, as the spikes are almostvertical.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,444 to Donoho et al, there is disclosed a devicehaving a base member and a plurality of top members, each of which holdsa plurality of prongs. The device appears to be rigid in construction,which may hinder installation and hamper adaptation to the changingneeds of the user.

In addition, there are several chemical bird anti-roosting preparations.These tend to make the surface of the windowsill, etc., sticky.Consequently, dust and other filth adhere to the said surface in a shortperiod of time, rendering the chemical preparation useless. The surfacebecomes accessible to the birds, once again.

Based on a review of the prior art, it becomes quite evident that eachof the approaches employed in the past suffered from shortcomings ofsome sort or another. In some instances, such as the devices based onmagnetic field and optical determent, the effectivity of the devices hasnot been firmly established. Devices using cables and the like, mountedabove the surface of interest, demand a system of supports, whichcomplicate the solution. The approach using a base element coupled withvertically oriented projections would seem less efficient, as bird feceswill eventually fill in the gaps between the projections. Continuous,filled, base strip elements would seem to be cumbersome in installationand less given to easy dimensional adaptation.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a new anti-bird perchingdevice, which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The deviceshould be lightweight and flexible, to facilitate installation. Also, ifthe top-element spikes are easily configurable, the device will enablethe user to enjoy maximum protection against birds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toovercome the above mentioned disadvantages and provide a superior devicefor preventing birds from landing and perching or roosting on exposedsurfaces.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,there is provided an anti-bird roosting device for protecting an area,said device comprising:

at least a pair of cooperating first and second base elements mounted onthe area to be protected; and

a plurality of projecting spikes, supported on said cooperating firstand second base elements and originating thereon, and projecting awaytherefrom into a space above the area to be protected, the arrangementof said projecting spikes being such that a portion of said spikesproject inwardly from each of said first and second base elements atvarious angles and cross one another, such that proximately disposedagainst a vertically projecting first base element spike there is atleast one of said inwardly projecting spikes originating from saidsecond base element to form a barrier having a symmetrical configurationagainst bird penetration, acting as an internal defense mechanism andprevent roosting of birds within said protected space,

said spikes projecting in a pattern, created by interspersingcombinations of vertical, obtuse and acute angle-forming projections,said patterns providing a high spike density which prevents roasting insaid protected space, defining a full envelope of protection.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a plurality ofwire base-member elements, connected to each other via a plurality oftop-members. Each device is easily and inexpensively prepared, viawelding, as a continuous mesh, whose dimensions can be constructed instandard sizes or in accordance with the needs of the user. By way ofexample, the standard distance between base-member elements, running thelength of the mesh, may be ten centimeters. The base-member elementportion of the device can, therefore, be easily fabricated as multiplesof the standard distance. In each device in this embodiment, thetop-member element spikes located at the periphery protect approximatelyanother fourteen centimeters of surface, seven centimeters on each side.By way of example, a device, whose base-member element portion is eightycentimeters, in width, will therefore have a total protected area ofninety-four centimeters. It will be clear to one skilled in the art thatall of the above-mentioned measurements may be adapted to the specificneeds of the consumer or production requirements.

Thus, each point in the space above the area to be protected is defendedby more than one spike, each spike coming from a different direction, soas to cross-defend each other, thus creating a perimeter envelopedefense of the air volume surrounding the base elements and above thearea to be protected.

The elements in this embodiment may be made of galvanized iron, whichhas been painted with a protective epoxy coating so as to furtherenhance its life span, providing the device with both strength anddurability. The element diameter is typically approximately twomillimeters. The small element diameter makes the entire device hard tosee from a distance and therefore the device blends in easily with thebackground coloring and does not detract from the building's aesthetics.In addition, the devices are easily painted. This provides anti-rustingprotection and adds to the longevity and aesthetics of the device.

In an alternative embodiment, the elements can be made of plastic,metals other than iron or any appropriate material.

The construct is easily mounted on horizontal, vertical or slantedareas, as the base elements are easily clamped to the various mountingsurfaces. This easy mounting is time saving. The element dimensions anddevice geometry allow for easy handling by the installation technician.The easy mounting and handling make the device inexpensive to install.

When the device is mounted on a flat surface, horizontal, vertical orslanted, the spikes project outwardly into the space above the area tobe protected so as to provide up to a full envelope of protection of 180degrees.

The construct can also be wrapped around corners, rooftops and pipes.When the device is mounted on a cylindrical surface, horizontal,vertical or slanted, the spikes project outwardly into the space abovethe area to be protected so as to provide up to a full envelope ofprotection of 360 degrees.

In addition, the construct's dimensions can easily be modified to fitthe user's changing requirements. If the user decides to transfer thespecific construct to a wider surface or to a longer surface, theconstruct's length and width are easily modified.

In another preferred embodiment, the material from which the elementsare made is a ductile metal and therefore, easily worked. The spikeprojections of the top-elements may be configured into a variety ofangles. This enables the user to enjoy a maximum envelope of protectionagainst various birds. These projections can be positioned so as tocreate various angles, which range from acute to obtuse, and not onlythe vertical angles existing in previous anti-bird roosting or perchingdevices.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following drawings and descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to theembodiments thereof reference is made to the accompanying drawings, inwhich like numerals designate corresponding elements or sectionsthroughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a twobase-member element construct of an anti-bird roosting device inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows an end view of the preferred embodiment, depicting agrouping of top-element spike variants, in accordance with theprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a twobase-member element construct of an anti-bird roosting device;

FIG. 2B shows an end view of the alternative embodiment, depicting agrouping of top-element spike variants;

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment, asmounted on a windowsill;

FIGS. 2D–2E are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device, shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment,featuring a three base-member element construct of the anti-birdroosting device;

FIG. 3B shows an end view of the construct shown in FIG. 3A, depicting agrouping of top-element spike variants;

FIGS. 3C–3D are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device, shown in FIG. 3A,

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a higher spike density, threebase-member element construct of the anti-bird roosting device;

FIG. 4B shows an end view of the construct shown in FIG. 4A, depicting agrouping of top-element spike variants; and

FIGS. 4C–4D are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device, shown in FIG. 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a perspective view of thepreferred embodiment of a lightweight, easily mounted and easilyconfigured anti-bird roosting device 10, constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. The device 10 comprises aplurality of base-member elements 12 a–b, which run parallel, one withthe other, and a plurality of top-member spike elements, fabricated asseveral variant forms, shown in FIGS. 1A–1B. Hereafter, the term“variant” will be used to indicate an alternate form of the spikeelement, using the same reference number.

In FIG. 1A, top-member spike element variants 14 connect the base-memberelements, one to another. The spikes of this top-element variant projectvertically, in this embodiment. Spike element variants 16 and 18 areeach bent into an angular form. In variant 16, both arms are equal inlength, one arm projects inwardly and one arm projects outwardly. Invariant 18, one arm is very short, essentially a welding support, andthe other arm projects outwardly. In FIG. 1A, variant 16 is shownmounted on the right-hand base-member element, 12 b, and variant 18 isshown mounted oppositely on the left-hand base-member element, 12 a.Similarly, where variant 16 is mounted on the left-hand base-memberelement, 12 a, variant 18 is shown mounted oppositely on the right-handbase-member element, 12 b.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the top-member spike element variants form repeatpatterns along the length of the device. This repeat structure enablescompact storage and easy shipment, as the devices 10 may be easilyplaced one on top of another.

In FIG. 1A, there is shown a typical width, W, of device 10. A device10, having a single width, W, is defined as a module, which can beprovided in a multiplicity to allow coverage of a large surface area.

As shown in FIG. 1B, device 10 can, if so desired, provide a totalenvelope of protection against bird roosting, which is afforded by thehigh spike density and projecting configuration of the spike elements14, 16, 18. As the variant 16 and variant 18 spikes do not projectvertically, while variant 14 does, the three variants supplement oneanother to provide maximum protection.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a perspective view of analternative embodiment of a lightweight, easily mounted and easilyconfigured anti-bird roosting device 20, constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. The device 20 comprises aplurality of base-member elements 22 a–b which run parallel, one withthe other, and a plurality of top-member spike elements, fabricated asseveral variant forms. The base-member elements 22 a–b are connected toone another by every seventh top member 24. Thus, device 20 is lessrigid than device 10 because there are less top-member spike elements24, which connect the base-member elements 22 a–b, one to another.

In FIG. 2A, the spikes of the top-element variants 24 project outwardly,in this embodiment. Variant 26 and variant 28 top-member elements areeach bent into an angular form. In variant 26, both arms are equal inlength, one arm projects vertically and one arm projects outwardly. Invariant 28, one arm is very short, essentially a welding support, andthe other arm projects outwardly.

In FIG. 2A, variant 26 is shown mounted on the right-hand base-memberelement, 22 b, and variant 28 is shown mounted oppositely on theleft-hand base-member element, 22 a. When variant 26 is mounted on theleft-hand base-member element, 22 a, then variant 28 is mountedoppositely on the right-hand base-member element, 22 b.

As shown in FIG. 2B, device 20 provides excellent protection againstbird roosting, due to the configuration of the spike projections. As allthe variant spikes do not only project vertically, the variantssupplement one another to provide maximum protection.

In FIG. 2C, the anti-bird roosting device 20 is shown mounted on awindowsill 27 and on a clothesline overhang 29. The small wire gauge, ofthe base-member elements, facilitates easy mounting (clamping, etc.) onthe various surface materials. In addition, as the total construct iscomprised of thin elements, which are not easily seen from a distance,the anti-bird roosting devices 20 do not detract from the aesthetics ofthe building.

FIGS. 2D–2E are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device 20, shown in FIG. 2B, revealing further constructiondetails.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of another alternative embodimentfeaturing a high spike density, three base-member element anti-birdroosting device 30, having base members being connected one to the othervia a plurality of top-member spike elements. The device 30 comprises aconstruct having a plurality of base-member elements 32 a, b, c, whichrun parallel one to the other, and a plurality of top-member spikeelements, fabricated as several variant forms 34, 36, 37, 38.

In FIG. 3A, variant 34 top-member spike elements connect the base-memberelements, one to another. The spikes of this top-element variant projectoutwardly, forming acute and obtuse angles with the base line. Variant36 is an equal arm-length angular form, whose end segments projectoutwardly. In this embodiment, variants 36 are positioned on the middlebase element 32 b. Variant 37 is an unequal arm-length angular form,whose longer arm projects outwardly. It is connected to the externalbase-elements 32 a, 32 c in the construct. Variant 38 is, also, anunequal arm-length angular form. One arm projects vertically and theother projects inwardly. Variants 38 are connected to the externalbase-elements 32 a, 32 c in the construct. In this embodiment, variants37 and 38 alternate along the length of the external base-elements 32 a,32 c in the construct.

As shown in FIG. 3B, device 30 provides a total envelope of protectionagainst bird perching, due to the configuration of the spikeprojections. As all the variant spikes do not only project vertically,the variants supplement one another to provide maximum protection.

FIGS. 3C–3D are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device 30, shown in FIG. 3A, revealing further constructiondetails.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of another alternative embodimentfeaturing a higher spike density, three base-member element anti-birdroosting device 40, having base members being connected one to the othervia a plurality of top-member spike elements. The device 40 comprises aconstruct having a plurality of base-member elements 42 a, b, c, whichrun parallel one to the other, and a plurality of top-member spikeelements, fabricated as several variant forms 44, 46, 48, 50. Device 40is stronger than device 30 because there are more connections betweenthe base elements. However, the additional connections are via topelement variants 50, which only connect two base elements at a time.Therefore, although the construct is strengthened, much flexibility isstill retained. In addition, the added spikes augment the alreadyexisting protection envelope.

In FIG. 4A, both top-member spike element variants 50 and 44 connect thebase-member elements 42 a–c, one to another. The spikes of both thesetop-element variants project vertically. Variant 46 is an equalarm-length angular form, whose end segments project outwardly, whenmounted on the central base element 42 b. However, when variant 46 ismounted on the external base elements 42 a, 42 c, one arm projectsoutwardly and the other projects inwardly. Variant 48 is an unequalarm-length angular form, whose longer arm projects outwardly. Variants48 are connected to the external base-elements 42 a, 42 c in theconstruct.

As shown in FIG. 4B, device 40 provides a total envelope of protectionagainst bird roosting, which is afforded by the configuration of thespike projections. As the variant spikes do not only project vertically,the variants supplement one another to provide maximum protection.

FIGS. 4C–4D are, respectively, side and top views of the anti-birdroosting device 40, shown in FIG. 4A, revealing further constructiondetails.

In summary, the present invention provides a superior device forpreventing birds from landing and perching on exposed surfaces, andenables the user to enjoy a maximum envelope of protection againstvarious birds. The spike element projections can be positioned so as tocreate various angles, which range from acute to obtuse, and not onlythe vertical angles existing in previous anti-bird roosting and perchingdevices Having described the invention with regard to certain specificembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is notmeant as a limitation, since farther modifications may now becomeapparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover suchmodifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An anti-bird roosting device for protecting an area, said devicecomprising: a series of connected cooperating equally spaced apartparallel base elements mounted on the area to be protected; and aplurality of projecting spikes, supported on said cooperating baseelements and originating thereon, and projecting away therefrom into aspace above the area to be protected, the arrangement of said projectingspikes being such that a first type of said spikes project substantiallyperpendicular to each of said cooperating base elements and a secondtype of said spikes are spaced apart and project inwardly from each ofsaid cooperating base elements at various angles and cross one another,such that proximately disposed against a perpendicularly projectingfirst spike type there is at least one of said inwardly projectingsecond type spikes originating from another cooperating base element toform a barrier having a symmetrical configuration against birdpenetration, acting as an internal defense mechanism and preventroosting of birds within said protected space, said spikes projecting ina pattern, created by interspersing combinations of vertical, obtuse andacute angle-forming projections, said pattern providing a high spikedensity which prevents roosting in said protected space, defining a fullenvelope of protection, wherein said cooperating base elements arespaced apart by a single predetermined width, defining a symmetricalmodule, and wherein a plurality of said symmetrical modules are providedto allow coverage of a large surface area to be protected, in a single,wide protection envelope without gaps between said plurality ofsymmetrical modules.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said projectingspikes form vertical, obtuse and acute angles with respect to said baseelements.
 3. The device of claim 1 arranged for mounting on a flatsurface, having at least one of horizontal, vertical and slantedorientations, said spikes projecting outwardly and inwardly into saidspace above the area to be protected so as to provide a full envelope ofprotection of up to approximately 180 degrees.
 4. The device of claim 1arranged for mounting on a cylindrical surface, having at least one ofhorizontal, vertical and slanted orientations, said spikes projectingoutwardly and inwardly into said space above the area to be protected soas to provide a full envelope of protection of up to 360 degrees.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said base elements are spaced apart by adimension which is easily adaptable to protect larger surface areas. 6.The device of claim 1, wherein said projecting spikes form repeatpatterns along the length of said device.
 7. The device of claim 1 in anarrangement comprising a plurality of said devices, wherein saidprojecting spikes of said devices are interleaved to enable easy,compact storage and easy shipment, by placing said devices one on top ofanother.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said base elements have asmall wire gauge, facilitating easy mounting of said device on amounting surface, thereby saving time during installation.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said base elements have a small wire gauge, and arenot easily seen from a distance, so as not to detract from theaesthetics of a building or other surface on which said device ismounted.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said base elements and saidplurality of projecting spikes have a small wire gauge, allowing foreasy handling and mounting, making the device inexpensive to install forthe end-user.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said base elements andsaid plurality of projecting spikes are easily painted, providinganti-rust protection which adds to the longevity and aesthetics of thedevice.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein said base elements are of awire gauge suitable to provide the device with a strong, durable design.